U-KISS

U-KISS
U-KISS in June 2023
From left to right: Alexander, Eli, Hoon, AJ, Kiseop and Soohyun
Background information
OriginSeoul, South Korea
Genres
Years active2008–present (2008–present)
Labels
  • Tango Music
Spinoffs
Members
Past members
WebsiteOfficial website

U-KISS (Korean: 유키스; Japanese: ユーキス) is a South Korean boy band formed in 2008. Their name is an acronym, standing for Ubiquitous Korean International Idol Super Star.[1] The group is currently composed of Soohyun, Hoon, Kiseop, Alexander Lee, and Eli.

Their breakthrough hit was "Man Man Ha Ni" (2009) from their EP ContiUKiss. They made their formal debut in Japan in 2011 with the release of the single "Tick Tack".[2]

Since their debut, U-KISS has released three full-length albums, twelve mini-albums/EPs, one special mini-album (created for their fans), and various singles. They have released seven Japanese full-length albums, one Japanese compilation album, and five Japanese mini-albums/EPs. The group and individual members have also participated in various musicals, radio programs, web shows, TV series, and films.

The group has recorded and/or performed songs in Korean, Japanese, Chinese,[3] English[4][5][6] and Spanish.[7] U-KISS has earned six entries on Billboard's World Albums chart and has had 9 songs on the K-pop Hot 100 chart.[8]

In 2012, U-KISS was the first K-pop group to hold a fan meeting in Cambodia.[9] During that same year, U-KISS was not only the first K-pop act, but also the first Asian group, to perform at the "Los 40 Principales" concert in Colombia.[10] In 2013, U-KISS was the second Korean artist to hold a solo concert in Mexico.[7] U-KISS was also one of the first K-pop groups to release original albums in Japanese. In Japan, they ranked #1 on the Oricon Albums Chart with Action in 2015.[citation needed]

  1. ^ KoreanMovie.com. "U-KISS | Korean Pop Singer – U-KISS(유키스), korean star". Koreanmovie.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2010. Retrieved October 29, 2012.
  2. ^ "유키스, 12월14일 일본 앨범 발표..'공식 데뷔". Naver. Retrieved November 9, 2011.
  3. ^ "The 15th Korea-China Music Festival Showcases Friendship". KpopStarz. May 6, 2014.
  4. ^ "MUSIC BANK in Paris à Bercy le 8 février 2012: compte rendu et vidéo-reportage". Orient-Extrême: Le magazine des cultures asiatiques (in French). Archived from the original on January 13, 2006. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  5. ^ "New Albums And Singles Preview – 2012 September Week 3". Soompi. September 17, 2012.
  6. ^ "Thank You Disney". avex.jp. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
  7. ^ a b "U-KISS successfully finished their South America Tour in Mexico". yahoo! news. June 30, 2013.
  8. ^ "U-KISS Chart History — K-POP Hot 100". billboard. Archived from the original on November 4, 2018.
  9. ^ "U-KISS Becomes First Korean Artist to Hold Fan Meeting in Cambodia". yahoo! news. June 19, 2012. Retrieved October 29, 2012.
  10. ^ "U-KISS Sets New Milestone with Bogota Show". The Chosun Ilbo. February 27, 2024.